piste to powder ski mountain guides st anton lech zürs stuben arlberg

SKI TOURING – the essential kit list

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Ski touring in the Arlberg

What do I need for ski touring in St. Anton, Lech Zürs, Alrberg ? What should be in my touring rucksack?

We have compiled an easy checklist for what to pack for a one or more nights hut tour!


Let’s start with the essentials that should always be in your off piste backpack:

Safety Equipment 

  • Modern digital 3 antenna transceiver
  • Shovel
  • Probe

Clothing / Personal Stuff

  • Goggles and sunglasses (protection around the frame for the glacier)
  • Helmet
  • First Aid Kit – your guide will have a full first aid this but bring compede for blisters, small tube of aloe vera for sunburn and moisturising, (serves also as a foot balm), medicinal products if needed (please also inform your guide)
  • Some energy bars
  • Something to drink, for longer day trips: 1.5l water carrier minimum, or camelbak
  • High factor suncream (at least 30+ on the glacier), good one is Avene high protection cream 50+
  • Rucksack – this can be an ABS or standard touring rucksack, 35 litres minimum (this size is fine for 6 days). There are some new lightweight ABS packs on the market. Ask your guide or get one at Jennewein!
  • Credit card, cash, insurance details (scan these also to your phone) and EHIC card
  • Spare battery pack or quick charger for phone (your phone goes down quickly in the cold), plastic bag to protect phone (e.g. airport travel bags)

Touring Clothing for ski touring in the Arlberg

  • Goretex shell jacket
  • Light down jacket
  • Thermal merino base layers (tops) long sleeved , take two for multiple day trips
  • Under Gortex leggings merino. Grab a second pair leggings for the hut
  • Extra T shirt for hut/sleep in
  • Lightweight Peaked Hat – option with removable neck and face flap or wide brimmed floppy hat for greater 360 protection

Ski Equipment for ski touring in the Arlberg

  • Touring Skis – 94mm minimum under foot, go lightweight for multiple day tours – look at range provided by black Crows including Navis and Orb combined with touring binding such as Dynafit.
  • Ski crampons to fit touring skis
  • Touring or Hybrid Boots: Well fitting and comfortable is key here else you will have blisters. Like hiking boots Its a good idea to have worn these in
    Hybrids are not as light as touring boots but an excellent option if you only want one pair!

Small Stuff

  • Small Light thermos and a sandwich pack bag
  • Extra handy sun cream stick and lip protection (50+)
  • Small toiletry bag – with travel size towel, toothbrush, moisturiser, blistex, shower gel.
  • Hut slippers (very lightweight – can be bought in BIPA, St Anton)
  • Huts may rent towels and slippers (but not all huts do) but they do not provide sheets and expect you to bring you own silk inner.
  • Camera – optional, or bring a quick charger for your phone
  • Silk inner sleeping bag
  • Ear plugs

Climbing Equipment (can be rented)

  • Boot Crampons – correctly fitting to boot
  • Ice axe (general mountaineering type)
  • Light Harness
  • 1 x Carabiner (Petal ball lock)

Ready to go? Join us to one of our favourite ski touring spots!

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, some more helpful information can be found here!